Overview of Health Risks of Pregnancy After 40

While there is an increasing trend of women going into pregnancy after 40, researchers and doctors alike always emphasize the need for caution since there are numerous health risks associated with midlife pregnancies.

Women in their 40s are at high risk of developing preeclampsia – also known as “toxemia or pregnancy” – and gestational diabetes. There is also an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and heart disease. Women are also more likely to develop cancers like breast and ovarian cancers.

There are also significant risks to the baby. For one, there is a higher likelihood that the baby will be born prematurely. There is also a high risk of birth defects. The most common birth defects noted in children born from women in their 40s are heart defects. If not detected early and given surgical intervention, this could lead to the early death of the baby. Babies also have a significant risk of developing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In the next few articles, we shall be taking a closer look at these health risks of pregnancy after 40.